The Indians set their roster for Opening Day Monday in Oakland with several roster moves.

The contracts of right-hander Scott Atchison, designated hitter/first baseman Jason Giambi and outfielder Nyjer Morgan were purchased from Triple-A Columbus. The three had been in camp on minor league deals.

Catcher Yan Gomes has so impressed the Indians with the way he handles the pitching staff that the team agreed to terms with the 26-year-old Brazilian on a six-year, $23 million contract extension Saturday, a source confirmed.

The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the deal and the contract is pending a physical. The Indians are expected to make an announcement during their season-opening series at Oakland that starts Monday.

Twenty final thoughts for the 20 hits the Indians banged out against the Padres at the University of San Diego’s Fowler Park.

1. When the Indians scored a touchdown (seven runs) in the first inning against the Padres and another touchdown in the second to take a 14-0 lead, it briefly crossed my mind that it looked like they were facing University of San Diego pitching, not the Padres.

Fourteen final thoughts for the number of hours I might sleep my first night back in my own bed. (I'm still on East Coast time.)

1. Jason Giambi’s prediction that Michael Brantley is about to take his game to the next level appears to be on track. Brantley was given the day off Thursday. He finished the Arizona portion of the spring schedule batting .522 with 12 RBI in 16 games. He struck out only once in 46 at-bats. Before Thursday night’s games, Brantley’s average was leading the major leagues, with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andew McCutchen second at .444.

Mike Aviles was scratched from the lineup due to lower back soreness and Michael Brantley was given the day off. They were replaced by Nyjer Morgan (CF) and Matt Carson (LF), respectively.

Infielder Justin Sellers was optioned to Triple-A Columbus. Catchers Matt Treanor and Luke Carlin and right-handers Matt Capps and Shaun Marcum were reassigned to the minor league camp. They will not be part of the traveling party headed to San Diego today for exhibition games against the Padres Friday and Saturday at the University of San Diego.

Indians' right-hander Danny Salazar will start the home opener April 4 against the Minnesota Twins, manager Terry Francona said Wednesday.

Salazar, 24, last took the mound for the Tribe in the American League Wild Card Game against the Tampa Bay Rays Oct. 2 at Progressive Field.

Francona said the Indians debated whether they wanted to save their fifth starter for the second week of the season because of the April 3 off day, but decided the team would need a break after the adrenalin of the three-game season-opening series that starts March 31 in Oakland.

Carlos Carrasco has earned the final spot in the Indians' rotation, the 27-year-old right-hander said he learned this morning. Carrasco said he hasn't been told if he will be the Tribe's fourth or fifth starter.

Fifteen final thoughts on a day we thought a dust storm (called a haboob) was going to hit Goodyear Ballpark after the game. (Thankfully, it didn’t.)

1. It may not be the fair decision – at least when it comes to spring training pitching statistics – but it appears manager Terry Francona will announce that Carlos Carrasco has claimed the final spot in the Indians’ starting rotation Wednesday morning.

1. Manager Terry Francona sounded like the Indians might make their decision on the final spot in the starting rotation before Josh Tomlin takes the mound against the Texas Rangers today in Goodyear Ballpark.

Outfielder Nyjer Morgan and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall were informed Monday morning that they had made the 25-man roster for Opening Day.

Center fielder Michael Bourn was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring and could miss the first four regular-season games. That timetable could have Bourn back for the Tribe's April 5 home game against the Minnesota Twins.

Thirteen final thoughts for the 13 wild pitches thrown by the Indians this spring.

1. Just how much Michael Bourn’s hamstring injury will affect the 25-man roster for Opening Day became even more evident Sunday. General manager Chris Antonetti, manager Terry Francona and his staff met for over three hours in the morning and announced only one move, telling 35-year-old right-hander Aaron Harang he would not make the team.

After a lengthy meeting Sunday morning to discuss upcoming roster decisions, the Indians told right-hander Aaron Harang he did not make the 25-man Opening Day roster.

Harang, 35, an 11-year veteran, was signed to a minor league free agent contract. He has an out in that deal Monday where he can elect to become a free agent and look for another major league job. If he doesn't opt out and decides to stay with the Indians in the minors, he will receive a $100,000 retention bonus and can opt out on June 1 if he has not been called up to the majors.

Sixteen final thoughts for my beloved Louisville Cardinals making the NCAA Sweet 16.

1. It was an uncomfortable morning in the Indians clubhouse, with manager Terry Francona popping in every few minutes looking for players who were being cut or sent to the minors. Francona didn’t cruise the room, instead taking a few steps inside to survey the scene. This was just the first wave of the 25-man roster decisions, but there was a nervous feeling in the room.

The Indians told reliever Vinnie Pestano and infielder/outfielder Elliot Johnson they have made the 25-man roster Saturday morning.

Outfielder Jeff Francoeur was released from his minor league contract, making him a free agent, outfielder Matt Carson is headed to Triple-A Columbus and catcher Matt Treanor will open on the Triple-A disabled list.

Twelve final thoughts for No. 12 seeds Harvard and North Dakota State, which have pulled off NCAA upsets.

1. Driving to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, I figured this season would be right-hander Justin Masterson’s last with the Indians. But after talking to Masterson and hearing how upbeat he was, I feel differently.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti did not rule out reopening negotiations on a multi-year contract extension with right-hander Justin Masterson, but confirmed Friday that talks with Masterson’s agent Rand Rowley had been tabled.

1. Just because Carlos Carrasco has “top-of-the rotation stuff across the board,” as Indians manager Terry Francona said Tuesday, doesn’t mean Carrasco deserves to be in the rotation. The Indians may be coming to that realization, like it or not.

The Indians flip-flopped starts for the game against the A's. Danny Salazar will start and is scheduled for four innings, with Carlos Carrasco slated to finish the game.

"We kept going back and forth on which one," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "We fell on it might be easier for Danny to get ready. Carlos has done it a couple times. Don’t read anything into it. One guy had to start and one guy had to finish. I don’t think you can put on there, ‘I don’t know.’"

Thirteen final thoughts after a crowd of 7,744 (many wearing orange) witnessed a power-packed game at Goodyear Ballpark.

1. Much of the skepticism about the Indians improving on their 92-70 record a year ago comes from doubts about the starting rotation after the free agent departures of Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir. Even though spring training means nothing, Zach McAllister’s performance Tuesday night against the Giants will feed the negativity.

It sounds as if right-hander Carlos Carrasco will be making the Indians 25-man roster out of spring training, either by claiming the last remaining spot in the rotation or as a member of the bullpen."His stuff is top-of-the-rotation stuff," Tribe manager Terry Francona said. Carrasco is out of minor league options, which magnifies that comment.

The Indians have re-signed right-hander Adam Miller, who was plagued by finger problems in his previous stint with the Tribe, to a minor league contract. A former top prospect in the organization, Miller was in camp on a tryout. Miller's Twitter handle is @thafinger28

Seventeen thoughts for the luck ‘o the Irish, although the umpires Monday at Goodyear Ballpark would beg to differ.

1. Center fielder Michael Bourn got up from the conference table in the Indians’ media room Monday morning as manager Terry Francona was walking in. As their paths crossed, Francona made a crack about having to do this every day. “I feel sorry for you,” Bourn replied.

The Indians' Carlos Santana will make his first spring training appearance at catcher Wednesday in a 4:05 p.m. game against the Oakland A's in Goodyear.

Trying to convert from catcher to third base, Santana spent the first five days of spring training behind the plate, then was told he would be used exclusively at third base. Santana will also catch on the side today in the bullpen at the team's Goodyear complex.

Fourteen final thoughts for the 14 hitters Justin Masterson has struck out this spring as the Indians took split squad games at Cubs Park and at Scottsdale Stadium.

1. It may be an anxious night for Indians general manager Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona after center fielder Michael Bourn was lifted in the second inning against the Giants with what the team called “mild left hamstring tightness.”

Matt Carson was scratched from right field in today's game vs. the Cubs in Mesa with a bruised right hand. Carson was hit in the hand Friday against the Chicago White Sox in Glendale.

"He went out and did some stuff today," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "In his own words he said he’s about 80 percent. It doesn’t seem to make much sense to have him play. I told him, ‘We know what you can do.’ He’s also competing.

Fifteen final thoughts because Sunday marks 15 days until Opening Day against the Oakland A’s at O.co Coliseum.

1. I can’t write about Carlos Santana’s conversion from catcher to third base every day, but the subject gets talked about nearly every day in Tribe manager Terry Francona’s morning meeting with the media. So I’ll continue to use this space to share the best nuggets. These were prompted by a visit from a USA Today writer.

Eleven thoughts for Michael Brantley’s team-leading 11 hits this spring, even though he went 0 for 3 at The Ballpark at Camelback Ranch.

1. The battle for the final spot in the rotation seems to be coming down to Josh Tomlin or Carlos Carrasco. Most presume Carrasco will earn the spot because he’s out of minor league options, while Tomlin has three remaining. But if Tomlin continues to pitch as smoothly and efficiently as he did Friday against the White Sox, the Indians may have a tougher decision to make than they expected.

Indians first baseman/designated hitter Jason Giambi has been diagnosed with a small non-displaced rib fracture on his right side and will be out three to four weeks, the Tribe announced Thursday.

Giambi was hurt when he was hit by an Edwin Jackson pitch in the third inning Friday against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa. Giambi experienced increasing discomfort since and underwent an MRI Wednesday. Manager Terry Francona said the Tribe's initial X-ray didn't show anything. Giambi said he also had an ultrasound.

Eleven thoughts for the 11 Tribe batters who came to the plate in the eighth inning.

1. The third-base battle between Lonnie Chisenhall and Carlos Santana might be starting to get interesting. On Tuesday against the Diamondbacks, Chisenhall hit a 400-foot home run to center field. On Wednesday against the Padres, Santana smashed a two-run homer to right field, while Chisenhall went 2 for 4 with a double off the top of the wall in right.

Fourteen thoughts for the 14 hits the Indians amassed Tuesday at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

1. Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall two-run home run to center field in the fourth inning couldn't have come at a better time. Chisenhall jumped on the first pitch from D-backs starter Trevor Cahill. The ball traveled at least 400 feet. General manager Chris Antonetti was in the stands. Coming into the day, Chisenhall was batting .222 in seven games.

Justin Masterson’s status as the Indians’ Opening Day starter was mere formality.

But manager Terry Francona couldn’t resist sneaking the announcement into his post-game press conference after the Tribe defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-1 Tuesday at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

1. When it comes to reading between the lines with Indians manager Terry Francona, Monday brought a triple play of comments to digest. The most puzzling was an unsolicited and seemingly jumping-the-gun comment about right-hander Bauer. “It’s not always going to be easy,” Francona said. “Nobody’s going to remotely give up. I still think there’s a good Major League pitcher in there. We just have to keep fighting, and we’ll fight with him. We’re going to figure it out.”

The Indians signed 10 players with zero to three years of experience to one-year Major League contracts for 2014, locking up all on the 40-man roster. Right-handed pitcher Zach McAllister's contract was also renewed.

1. Through 11 games, the Indians pitching staff has set the bar high. It has compiled a 2.70 ERA, giving up 30 earned runs in 100 innings. The group has allowed 78 hits in 373 opposing at-bats, struck out 100, walked only 30 and surrendered six home runs.

Eleven thoughts for 11 strikeouts totalled by nine Tribe pitchers on a gloriously beautiful day at Peoria Stadium.

1. My favorite moment came in the bottom of the third inning after Carlos Santana, trying to convert from catcher to third baseman, retired the Padres’ Will Venable on a groundout. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera put his arm around Santana as they returned to the Tribe dugout. It was the second of four balls hit to Santana at third and all but one went for outs, with the other a high throw to first for an error. It was good to see such support and encouragement from a teammate, especially one who is gifted defensively.

Indians right fielder Ryan Raburn might miss two days after colliding with the wall Friday during a 7-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at new Cubs Park.

Raburn bruised his left knee and right hand and cut his upper lip on the inside when his teeth got caught. Manager Terry Francona said Raburn would work inside Saturday and get treatment while the Indians travel to Peoria for a game against the San Diego Padres. He’s unlikely to play Sunday at home against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Sixteen thoughts for the 16 strikeouts recorded by Indians pitchers on a sunny, 73-degree day at brand new Cubs Park as the Tribe improved to 8-1.

1. The Indians’ bench players who call themselves the “Goon Squad” may have lost a member as catcher Yan Gomes has moved into the starting lineup. But after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning, infielder Mike Aviles talked about the unit’s pride and how they view their important role. “Do what we did all last year. Let everybody understand we’re going to enjoy coming to the park, we’re going to have fun with each other and we’re going to play well and take care of business,” Aviles said. “At the end of the day, it’s a kid’s game, let’s enjoy it.”

Sixteen final thoughts (lots more than I thought I'd come up with) after my first day covering Indians spring training since at least 1999. (I have been to Goodyear to write a feature story or two.)

1. It seems as if every time Carlos Santana fields a ball at third base, manager Terry Francona fields a question about his effort as the experiment with the catcher continues. Against the Cubs, a line drive popped out of Santana’s glove. “The hard thing about games is unless they hit seven or eight balls, you kind of go off his work during the day and that part has been great,” Francona said afterward.

The Beacon Journal passes the baton today as I, Marla Ridenour, take over for Stephanie Storm. I'll be following the Tribe through the home opener April 4. I'll be in Arizona for all the spring training action through March 27, follow the Indians to San Diego for two exhibition games and then on to Oakland for the three-game season-opening series that starts on March 31.

I hope to use these next three weeks to take a look at some of the personalities on the Indians, both in the clubhouse and on the major and minor league coaching staff.

Stephanie Storm’s 5 Final Thoughts on the Indians sixth consecutive spring training win, an 8-5 come-from-behind victory over the host Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex.

1) The Indians may have won their sixth consecutive game Wednesday, but Justin Masterson contract extension talks dominated the day. After dropping a hint late last week that he was feeling good about the prospect of signing a multiple-year deal, Masterson told reporters Wednesday that he’d consider settling for a shorter contract than the market-setting deal Reds pitcher Homer Bailey just inked for six years at $105 million.

1) It’s always a good sign when a pitcher isn’t commanding his pitches ball like he’d like to and yet still can get through his two innings of work without allowing any runs. That’s what Indians right-hander Zach McAllister did in his start Tuesday, limiting the White Sox to a hit and a walk and striking out one. McAllister also helped his own cause by fielding a hard come-backer to the mound on the fly with two on and two outs in the first inning.

With an eye towards the league’s new expanded instant replay system that begins as soon as the regular season starts, the Indians hired Gregg Langbehn as their major league Replay Coordinator.

Langbehn, 43, is a former minor league pitcher, coach and manager. His role is to view live video of the Tribe’s games from the home clubhouse at Progressive Field and in visiting clubhouses when the team is on the road and indicate when the team might want to challenge a call. He’ll have contact with Indians manager Terry Francona and the dugout via a phone line.

Stephanie Storm’s 5 final thoughts on the Indians 6-5 victory over the host Texas Rangers Monday at Surprise Stadium.

1) It was just one inning of a spring training game, but if one inning can reveal a little something, then Vinnie Pestano appears to be on the right track in an effort to reclaim a place in the Indians bullpen. Pestano needed just seven pitches to toss a 1-2-3 fifth inning in his first spring training appearance Monday.

After playing the first three games of the Cactus League schedule at Goodyear Ballpark and enjoying a surprise day off Saturday due to rare rain all around the Phoenix area, the sun is back out and the Indians are scheduled to host the Seattle Mariners today at 3:05 p.m. (EST).

Morning and early afternoon rain all around the Phoenix area forced the cancellation of today’s Indians 3:05 p.m. game (EST) against the host Chicago White Sox. It was the first rainfall in the area since mid December.

While the players probably didn’t mind enjoying their first break since spring training camp started a couple weeks ago (depending upon the exact date that each of them reported) the unscheduled day off interrupted the team’s pitching assignments.

Here's my 10 final thoughts on Friday’s 4-0 Indians victory over the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark:

1) With free agents Scott Kazmir and Ubaldo Jimenez gone, the Indians will head into the season relaying heavily on young starting pitchers like Zach McAllister. The right-hander didn’t give manager Terry Francona any reason to believe he’s not ready to step up and help do his part for the departed veterans in his first spring start Friday.